Glacier National Park Town on Edge of Canada and US: A Comprehensive Guide

Glacier National Park, straddling the border of Canada and the United States, offers a unique experience for visitors. The towns on the edge of this majestic park serve as gateways to adventure, providing essential services and accommodations. This guide explores the towns bordering Glacier National Park on both sides of the international boundary, detailing accommodations, services, border crossing procedures, and activities available to visitors.

What Towns Border Glacier National Park on the US and Canadian Sides?

Glacier National Park is flanked by several towns that serve as entry points and bases for exploration. On the US side, West Glacier and Columbia Falls in Montana are key gateway communities. On the Canadian side, Waterton in Alberta provides access to the adjoining Waterton Lakes National Park, which together with Glacier forms the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

US Side Towns:

1. West Glacier, Montana
2. Located at the west entrance of Glacier National Park
3. Population: Approximately 227 (2010 census)

4. Key features: Access to Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald

5. Columbia Falls, Montana

6. Located about 15 miles from the west entrance
7. Population: Approximately 5,308 (2019 estimate)
8. Key features: Gateway to the park, various accommodations and services

Canadian Side Town:

1. Waterton, Alberta
2. Located within Waterton Lakes National Park
3. Population: Approximately 105 year-round residents
4. Key features: Access to Waterton Lakes, historic Prince of Wales Hotel

What Accommodations Are Available in These Border Towns?

Accommodations in the towns bordering Glacier National Park range from rustic cabins to modern hotels. Here’s a breakdown of options in each town:

West Glacier, Montana:

1. Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins
2. 28 cabins and 20 motel-style rooms
3. Rates: Starting at $120/night for rooms, $200/night for cabins

4. Amenities: Proximity to Lake McDonald, hiking trails, Going-to-the-Sun Road access

5. Village Inn at Apgar

6. Mid-century-style motel with various room types
7. Rates: Budget-friendly (specific rates not provided)

8. Amenities: Private bathrooms, coffee makers, Lake McDonald views

9. Motel Lake McDonald

10. Simple, comfortable rooms
11. Rates: Starting around $200/night
12. Amenities: Private bathrooms, telephones, mountain views

Columbia Falls, Montana:

1. North Forty Resort
2. Private cabins
3. Rates: $164/night in winter, $230-$350/night in peak summer

4. Amenities: Hot tub, sauna, pet-friendly options

5. Cedar Creek Lodge

6. Modern hotel rooms
7. Rates: $108/night in winter, up to $400+/night in summer
8. Amenities: Hot buffet breakfast, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center

Waterton, Alberta:

1. Prince of Wales Hotel
2. Historic, luxurious accommodations
3. Rates: Not specified
4. Amenities: Scenic views, historic charm

What Essential Services Are Available in These Towns?

The towns surrounding Glacier National Park offer a range of essential services to support visitors’ needs. Here’s a breakdown of services available in each town:

West Glacier, Montana:

• Accommodations: As mentioned above, plus additional options like Glacier Homestead and Silverwolf Log Chalet Resort
• Dining: Several restaurants and cafes within the park and nearby
• Shopping: Gift shops, general stores
• Transportation: Shuttle services, car rentals
• Information: Visitor centers, ranger stations

Columbia Falls, Montana:

• Accommodations: Various hotels, motels, and vacation rentals
• Dining: Wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars
• Shopping: Grocery stores, outdoor gear shops, local boutiques
• Healthcare: North Valley Hospital, clinics
• Transportation: Car rentals, taxi services
• Banking: Several banks and ATMs

Waterton, Alberta:

• Accommodations: Hotels, motels, and camping options
• Dining: Restaurants, cafes, and picnic areas
• Shopping: Gift shops, general stores
• Information: Visitor center
• Recreation: Boat tours, hiking trails, horseback riding

How Do Border Crossing Procedures Work at Glacier National Park?

Crossing the border between the US and Canada at Glacier National Park requires proper documentation and awareness of procedures. Here’s what you need to know:

Entry Points:

1. Roosville, Montana
2. 24-hour service year-round

3. Located on US 93

4. Chief Mountain, Montana

5. 24-hour service from May to September

6. Located on Montana Highway 17

7. Carway, Alberta

8. Daytime service year-round (7 am to 11 pm)

9. Located on US Highway 89

10. Coutts, Alberta

11. 24-hour service
12. Located on Interstate 15

Required Documentation:

• Passport: Required for all travelers entering Canada and re-entering the US
• Children’s Documentation: Birth certificate, passport, or immigration document
• Additional Documents: Divorced parents need legal custody documents and written permission if not traveling with the child

Border Crossing Tips:

1. Check current wait times before crossing
2. Have all documents readily available
3. Be prepared to declare any items you’re bringing across the border
4. Know the restrictions on bringing food, plants, and animals
5. Be aware of duty-free allowances

What Activities Are Available in Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park offers a wide array of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here’s a comprehensive list of available activities:

Guided Tours:

1. Boat Tours
2. Offered by Glacier Park Boat Co.
3. Locations: Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Rising Sun, Lake McDonald

4. Optional guided hikes on some cruises

5. Horseback Rides

6. Provided by Swan Mountain Outfitters
7. Locations: Many Glacier, Lake McDonald Lodge, Apgar

8. Not available in winter

9. Guided Hikes and Backpacking

10. Offered by Glacier Guides
11. Custom trips and wilderness porter services available

Hiking Trails:

Glacier National Park boasts over 700 miles of trails, catering to various skill levels:

1. Grinnell Glacier Trailhead
2. Difficulty: Strenuous
3. Distance: 10.6 miles round trip

4. Elevation gain: 1,840 feet

5. Iceberg Lake Trail

6. Difficulty: Moderate
7. Distance: 9.7 miles round trip

8. Elevation gain: 1,275 feet

9. Ptarmigan Lake Trail

10. Difficulty: Moderate
11. Distance: 8.4 miles round trip
12. Elevation gain: 2,300 feet

Seasonal Activities:

• Summer: Hiking, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing
• Fall: Scenic drives, photography, wildlife viewing
• Winter: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
• Spring: Wildflower viewing, bird watching, hiking (weather permitting)

Rental Services:

1. Boat Rentals
2. Available at Apgar, Lake McDonald Lodge, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier

3. Options include rowboats, canoes, and motorboats

4. Camping Equipment

5. Available for rent at Glacier Guides’ West Glacier office
6. Items include tents, sleeping bags, backpacks

Permits and Costs:

1. Camping Permits
2. Required for all overnight stays in the backcountry
3. Available online, by phone, or at campground kiosks

4. Fees vary based on group size and length of stay

5. Fishing Permits

6. Required for fishing in the park
7. Available at Parks Canada visitor centers

8. Fees vary based on duration and residency status

9. Fire Permits

10. Required for campfires in designated areas
11. Included with online camping reservations or available at campground kiosks
12. No additional cost

The towns on the edge of Glacier National Park, straddling the US-Canada border, offer a unique gateway to this natural wonder. From comfortable accommodations to essential services and exciting activities, these communities provide everything needed for an unforgettable experience in one of North America’s most stunning national parks.

References:

1. Lodging, Restaurants, and Services – Glacier National Park
2. US-Canada Border Information – Glacier National Park
3. Camping and accommodations – Glacier National Park